Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Zach Collaros (4) sets up for the throw against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during the first half of CFL action in Winnipeg Friday, June 19, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
The Tiger-Cats jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, finishing off the 2015 preseason with a second straight victory on Friday night, topping the Winnipeg Blue Bombers by a score of 26-15.
Tiger-Cats quarterback Zach Collaros came out slinging in his first game action of 2015, taking the offence down the field for a touchdown on just three plays on the team’s first drive.
Collaros continued that success throughout his 2015 debut, completing 14-of-17 pass attempts for 183 yards and a touchdown. The team scored points on its first four possessions, jumping out to a 20-7 lead in the first half.
Veteran receivers Bakari Grant and Andy Fantuz each showed considerable chemistry with their quarterback in the first half, combining for nine receptions and 132 yards, including a touchdown from Grant.
Much to the appreciation of his fellow Ticats running backs, Ray Holley came out strong in first half action as well, rushing for 37 yards on eight carries, adding one touchdown on an eight-yard rush. Holley finished the game with 63 all-purpose yards on 11 touches.
S/O to my Boy Ray Holley sounds like he's having a game! Gotta love it!
— Nic Grigsby (@Nic_Grigsby5) June 20, 2015
Ticats newcomer Michael Ford took over where Holley left off, rumbling forward for 45 yards on eight carries himself, while adding a 19-yard reception.
Tim Smith and Matt Coates, two receivers whom both Austin and Collaros spoke highly of in camp, showed off some versatility. The two young receivers combined for 43 receiving yards on three receptions in the second half, each showing off additional skills on special teams.
Coates performed holding duties on place kicks, while Smith showed off some kick return prowess, averaging 43.7 yards on three returns.
Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli completed 8-of-17 passes in the second half against the Bombers, throwing for 106 yards in his first preseason action of the season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Ticats allowed just one touchdown in each half, conceding a total of 13 points. After a score on the Bombers first drive of the game, the defence forced punts on the following four possessions, closing out the remainder of the first half without any further scoring.
In the second half, the ‘Cats defence showed an ability to stand strong when it mattered, allowing 251 yards but only six points.
Defensive end Sam Scott and defensive back Julian Posey were the team’s leading tacklers, each finding the ball-carrier four times in the victory.
After recording three sacks in the team’s first preseason game, defensive end Adrian Tracy found the quarterback again in the first half of tonight’s game, adding a tackle-for-loss in the second half for another impressive preseason performance.
Justin Medlock was successful on all four field goal attempts for the Ticats, finishing the preseason a perfect 7-for-7 after connecting on three field goals against Ottawa.
With the final preseason game in the books, the team must make final roster cuts by 9:00 PM EST on Saturday night. After one week of practice, the Ticats will be back in action, kicking off the regular season in Calgary next Friday.
